This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Azopt Consumer Information
AZOPT
Generic Name: brinzolamide ophthalmic (brin ZOE lah mide)
Brand Names: Azopt
What is the most important information I should know about brinzolamide ophthalmic?
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
- Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.
What is brinzolamide ophthalmic?
- Brinzolamide ophthalmic reduces the amount of fluid in the eye. This reduction in fluid decreases pressure inside the eye.
- Brinzolamide ophthalmic is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or high pressure in the eye.
- Brinzolamide ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not use brinzolamide ophthalmic?
- Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a sulfa-based drug such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra), sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol), or sulfacetamide sodium (Bleph-10, Sulamyd Sodium). Brinzolamide ophthalmic is also based on a sulfa compound, and you may have an allergic reaction to it.
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may not be able to use brinzolamide, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy.
- Brinzolamide ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether brinzolamide ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use brinzolamide ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is not known whether brinzolamide passes into breast milk. Do not use brinzolamide ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use brinzolamide ophthalmic?
- Use brinzolamide ophthalmic eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Wash your hands before and after using your eye drops. Shake the container well.
- To apply the eye drops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye or drops in both eyes, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. If you are also using another type of eye drop, allow at least 10 minutes between applications of the different drugs.
- Brinzolamide ophthalmic is usually used three times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
- Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.
- Store brinzolamide ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and apply only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- The symptoms of a brinzolamide ophthalmic overdose are unknown. If you suspect an overdose, flush the eye with water and call an emergency room or poison control left near you. If the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency left for advice.
What should I avoid while using brinzolamide ophthalmic?
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
- Brinzolamide ophthalmic contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), so do not wear soft contact lenses when applying this medication. Contact lenses can be inserted 15 minutes after you have applied the drops.
- Avoid other eye medications unless your doctor approves.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.